Keynote Speakers

In its quest to accomplish its objectives, the EDC utilizes many avenues to promote and educate community and business leaders.  One of these avenues is The Vision of Growth monthly television interview hosted the EDC President, Larry Sassano.  Each month, Larry interview keynote guests with topics relevant to our economic vitality.

The EDC Primary Objectives:

1. Retain, expand and diversify the existing economic base.

2. Promote retention of military resources in Okaloosa County.

3. Promote technology-based economic development.

4. Enhance community awareness of EDC services.

5. Collaborate with educational institutions to ensure a high skilled and diversified workforce.

Cox Communications
Channel 6

The 30-minute broadcast features experts in their respective fields discussing economic issues relating to topics such as the technology, defense, workforce, education, and commerce of Okaloosa County.

Special Keynote Guests have Included:

Fiscal Year 2010

ô August: Dr. Rick Harper, Director of the UWF Haas Center for Business Research and Economic Development. The topics of discussion on this month’s TV show are centered on the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Unemployment for Northwest Florida.

ôJuly: Mayor Sam Seevers, City of Destin.  Mayor Seevers has focused heavily on the current Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill issue and serves on the Oil Spill Task Force assembled by Governor Crist.  Mayor Seevers is passionate about her efforts to preserve Destin’s quality of life and for its residents and visitors to know that the City is doing everything it can to help lessen any negative economic impact from this man-made disaster.

ô June: Mark Bellinger, Executive Director Tourist Development Council.  Mr. Bellinger has hit the road running in his new position with the Deepwater Horizon disaster.  The TDC recently hosted the Emergency Marketing Strategy meeting to develop strategies in response to this incident.

ô April: Nicole Gislason, Director of the Unviersity of West Florida IT Academy.  Mrs. Gislason highlights the partnership among the EDC, UWF and the Workforce Development Board on an incumbent worker training program offered to TeCMEN members.

ô March: Darrel Jones, Executive Director Tourist Development Council.  Mr. Jones has been committed to serving our area for the last 20 years.

ô February: Rick Harper, University of West Florida Haas Center.  Dr. Harper provided an overview of the local economy, the recovery acts initiated, and the outlook for our near future.

ô January: J.R. McDonald, Vice President Lockheed Martin, Northwest Florida Operation.  Mr. McDonald provided an overview of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Initial Training Center locating at Eglin AFB.

ô December: Alan Baggett, Executive Vice President of the Building Industry Association (BIA) of Okaloosa & Walton Counties.  Alan addresses BIA’s Building Stronger efforts, the extended $8,000 credit for first-time home buyers, the $6,500 tax credit for existing home owners, and the federal government's interest in establishing appraisal guidelines that will minimize the effect of distressed sales and foreclosures on property appraisals.  On January 12, 2010 BIA is sponsoring a “2010 Economic & Housing Forecast” at the Northwest Florida Fair Grounds.

ô November: Tim McDonald, President of Fort Walton Machining and EAS Doors. In this episode, Tim shares information about his new manufacturing growth operation for Fort Walton Machining and his development of EAS Doors and Windows, Inc.; a high quality door and window system designed for the Florida market. EAS Doors has been the recipient of two very distinguished awards: Boeing Supplier of the Year and the NASA Small Business Supplier of the Year Award.

ô October: Michael Saucier, Regional Supervisor of Field Operations, MMS Gulf of Mexico Region; and Gary Goeke, Chief of the Environmental Assessment Section in the MMS Gulf of Mexico Region Office of Leasing and Environment.  Mr. Saucier and Mr. Goeke were the EDC's keynote speakers at our Alternative Energy Forum.

Fiscal Year 2009

ô Jerry Pfeiffer, CEO GovernmentSupportJobs.com  

ô Gordon Eldridge, BAE Systems and Paul Hsu, Hsu Enterprises

ô Jim Heald, DSI Chairman, InDyne General Manager and Bob Black, DSI Military Advisor, ARINC General Manager. 

ô Dr. Jack Azzaretto, Vice provost and Dean, University of West Florida, Emerald Coast and Dr. Melissa Neal, Associate Director, Haas Center

ô Craig Barker, Mayor City of Destin.  

ô David Goetsch, Vice President Northwest Florida State College and author.  David talks about his newest book, Economic Development 101, a topic near and dear to my heart.   In his book he stresses the importance of a strong economic development organization's business retention and expansion program. 

ô Judge Patt Maney and Tom Rice.

ô Don Vanderhoek, Director for the Information Systems Department at Okaloosa County. 

ô Gloria Frazier, President/Broker ERA American Realty of Northwest Florida and Vice President – Northwest Florida State College Foundation and Past Chair of the EDC and Carla Reinlie, Associate Director for College Advancement Northwest Florida State College

ô Dr. Judy Bense, President of the University of West Florida and Dr. Jack Azzaretto, Vice Provost and Dean UWF – Emerald Coast